Ophthalmological findings in Cameroonian boxers

Abstract

Background

The purpose of this prospective, noncomparative consecutive study was to examine active and retired amateur boxers in order to evaluate the nature and incidence of ocular pathologic conditions related to the boxing practice.

Results

A total of 35 boxers were included in this study. The mean age of the boxers was 28.09±7.57 years (range 18–52 years). Sixteen (45.7%) boxers had >5 years of boxing experience. Fifteen (42.85%) of the boxers reported wearing protective equipment in the bouts and sparring rounds. The number of bouts ranged from 3 to 103, with a median of 20 (interquartile range [IQR] =7–44). The percentages of wins varied from 25% to 100%, with a median of 68.29% (IQR =50.00–79.54). Most of the eye injuries recorded were minor injuries (66.66%), with subconjunctival hemorrhage being the most common (24.24%). Lid scars were the second most common lesion, accounting for 18.18% of all lesions. Sight-threatening eye lesions accounted for 33.34% of injuries and included cataracts (12.12%), lens dislocation (3.03%), pseudoexfoliation syndrome (3.03%), unilateral glaucoma (3.03%), retinal detachment (3.03%), vitreous opacity (6.06%), and lattice degeneration (3.03%).

Conclusion

Boxing-related ocular traumas are common in Cameroon, and ocular surface lesions are the most common injury reported. Severe lesions are indications for premature retirement from boxing practice.

Keywords:

• boxer
• subconjunctival hemorrhage
• traumatic cataract

Author contributions

GK, GN-T, and SREM contributed to the study design, analyzed the data, and performed critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content. GK, GN-T, and CEM wrote the paper. All authors contributed toward data analysis, drafting and revising the paper, read and approved the final manuscript, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.